Marco Grassi, born and raised in the northwest of Italy, is an award winning photographer focused on travel and landscape photography, a 500px Brand Ambassador as well as a photography instructor. Next week, Marco will be teaching photographers how he works with sunlight to create his stunning landscape photos in his first 500px Class: Understanding Natural Light. But first, he shares his bucket list of top favorite around the world that “every landscape photographer should visit at least once.”
Long before I bought myself a camera, I was a travel addict—and, as I was starting out with photography, I suddenly realized that my camera would become my vehicle to travel the world, explore unbelievable locations, and capture beautiful pictures.
In the past four years, I’ve made my way through several countries, and while I’m far away from having seen the whole world, these are some of the places I’ve visited that should be on everyone’s bucket lists and that every landscape photographer should visit at least once.
1. El Chalten, Argentina
Lakes, rivers, mountains, glaciers, and much more. Say one thing and most likely El Chalten has it. This place is a paradise for every landscape photographer—no wonder photographers from all over the world keep visiting this location over and over again.
When I took this picture: Mid of April, during the autumn.
2. Valensole, France
Near the small village of Valensole, in Southern France, there are dozens of lavender fields. As far as your eye can see, there are purple fields in every direction along the road, sometimes followed by sunflower fields. This place is a feast for the eye and a great photography location.
When I took this picture: beginning of July, during the summer.
3. Milford Sound, New Zealand
New Zealand is probably one of the most beautiful countries I’ve ever visited, and Milford Sound is one of its top destinations. This beautiful fjord is situated in the South Island and has been fairly named by Rudyard Kipling the “eighth wonder of the world.”
When I took this picture: end of March, at low tide.
4. Xingping, China
China has some of the most spectacular wonders of the world, and while it is usually underrated, it is definitely a must-see country. Being so huge makes it difficult to visit it all, but the Karst mountains of Xingping should definitely be on your bucket list.
When I took this picture: beginning of November, during the autumn.
5. Taranaki, New Zealand
I’ve always loved the reflections of mountains, and this place in the Taranaki region is definitely one of my favorite spots. It’s quite a challenge to be able to see this shy mountain because of the recurrent clouds, but when you do see it, you realize it was worth the wait.
When I took this picture: end of January, during the summer.
On a side note: You need at least one full day to reach this little pond, as it takes up to 5 hours by walk to get there and back, and still the mountain could be covered by clouds or the wind could blow up the reflection. An alternative to this picture of Mt. Taranaki could be the one taken from the Surf Highway 45 where the Cape Egmont Lighthouse is.
6. Dolomites, Italy
Speaking of mountains, the Dolomites are among the most beautiful ones. Autumn is a magical time of the year to visit this area of Italy; it is not too cold and the villages are surrounded by beautiful tones of yellow, orange, and red.
When I took this picture: beginning of November, during the autumn.
When visiting the area make sure to make a stop at Tre Cime di Lavaredo, one of the spot that has made the Dolomites so famous.
7. Antelope Canyon, USA
It’s incredible how powerful nature is and what it can create. Antelope Canyon, situated in Arizona, is one of the most spectacular slot canyons of the world. The colors and the shape of this place are unbelievable and it offers many photo opportunities.
When I took this picture: beginning of June, during the summer.
8. Wharariki Beach, New Zealand
Hidden behind green hills inhabited by sheep lies Wharariki beach. Photo opportunities abound and the sand dunes that surround the area make it even more beautiful.
When I took this picture: mid-April, at low tide.
9. Cinque Terre, Italy
Cinque Terre means “five lands” in Italian. In fact, there are five villages that make up this zone: Riomaggiore, Manarola (picture below), Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso, all of them picture-perfect. This is one of Italy’s most dreamy and photographed areas, but also very crowded. Make sure you visit it during the low season and avoid the summer months (June to September).
When I took this picture: beginning of December, during the winter.
On a side note: If you wish to escape the crowds, there are other tiny and less known villages close to Cinque Terre that are just as beautiful. Tellaro is one of those—a real gem worth a visit.
When I took this picture: mid-November, during the autumn.
10. Mt. Cook, New Zealand
Mt. Cook is New Zealand’s highest mountain and a great location for landscape photographers. The whole drive to get there is pretty scenic, but when you reach it and get on the trails, more wonders await you!
When I took this picture: mid March, during the autumn
11. White Pocket, Arizona, USA
The city of Page in Arizona is the perfect base for visiting the world-famous Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. But when visiting the area, there’s another spot less known and worth a visit. White Pocket looks like an alien planet: it has twists; multi-color striations of white, yellow, red, orange, and pink; pockmarks, pools that sometimes fill with water, and a clear starry sky.
When I took this picture: end of May, during the end of spring.
12. Great Wall, China
There’s a reason the Great Wall is one of the seven wonders of the world. Pictures don’t give it enough justice; this site is something beyond expectations. There are many sections you can choose from to photograph. The Jinshanling section (pic below) is one of the best. Don’t miss the sunrise on top of the wall; it’s a quite and lovely moment for pictures as well as a life-changing experience.
When I took this picture: mid-September, end of summer.
13. The Old Man of Storr, Scotland
The Isle of Skye in Scotland is one of the most beautiful locations for photographers, mostly because it has an exceptionally high concentration of different landscapes. One of these is the Old Man of Storr, a large pinnacle of rock that stands high and can be seen for miles around. The view from the top of the track is just fantastic.
When I took this picture: mid-October, during the autumn.
On a side note: On the way to the Isle of Skye, it’s worth making a stop at the Glenfinnan Viaduct, where you can have the chance to photograph the famous steam train.
When I took this picture: end of October, during the autumn.
14. Gasadalur, Faroe Islands
At the edge of a tall cliff overlooking the sea rises the tiny village of Gasadalur. Of all the waterfalls I’ve photographed, this one is definitely one of the most stunning. The place is breathtaking and extremely photogenic.
When I took this picture: beginning of August, during the summer.
15. Tuscany, Italy
The Italian region of Tuscany is well known for its lush and endless green hills, and Val D’Orcia is the best place to enjoy such a bucolic view. If you want some more reasons, your post-photo-shooting hunger will be rewarded with delicious food and wine.
When I took this picture: mid-May, during the spring.
16. Wanaka, New Zealand
This lonely tree rises from the clear waters of Lake Wanaka, in New Zealand, and makes for very surreal scenery.
When I took this picture: end of March, during the autumn.
17. Torres Del Paine, Chile
No other mountain range can be confused with the majestic Torres del Paine in Chile. These mountains have very particular shapes and colors and make the perfect subject for pictures. The whole national park is incredible and really diverse, and it deserves to be on top of everyone’s bucket list.
When I took this picture: end of March, during the autumn.
On a side note: There are plenty of beautiful corners to photograph in Torres Del Paine National Park. If you have enough time to go trekking, you might want to check out Las Torres and Grey Glacier both great photo locations.
When I took this picture: end of March, during the spring.
Are there any amazing place you’d add to this list? What are your top destinations? Share them in the comments below!
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